Brooklyn's alternative music scene has a lot of experimental voices, but smush is one of the few that is instantly recognizable and emotionally grounded. With "Lawyerers in Love," the first song from their upcoming covers EP "Standards," the rising husband-and-wife duo Emily and Atley King continues to carve out their own niche. This new take on an old favorite is a version made with instinct, intimacy, and undeniable skill.
"Lawyers in Love" is a great example of what smush does best, it has expressiveness without being too much, bold choices that don't take away from the song's heart, and a sound that is both familiar and surprisingly new. The song was recorded entirely at home and mixed by renowned engineer Sonny DiPerri, known for his work with Trent Reznor. It has a DIY feel and a sharp, professional polish. Only artists who are very connected to their work can find this kind of balance.
What makes smush so interesting is how they can add layers of meaning without making the listener feel overwhelmed. Every aspect of the arrangement and pacing conveys a deliberate choice. Like all of their music, listening to it over and over again reveals new details, like unexpected harmonies, subtle changes in tone, and emotional flourishes that show how well the two of them work together.
"Lawyers in Love" is a bold step into the next stage of smush's creative growth. This song is an excellent preview of the duo's artistic vision, which is based on memories, shaped by reinvention, and delivered with unmistakable authenticity. For people who like Brooklyn's alternative scene, heartfelt covers, or just great songwriting, smush is still a name to keep an eye on.
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